Pepperoni Pizza Sliders – Mini Buns. Big Pizza Flavor. 🍕✨
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on classic pizza, packed with saucy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella cheese, and topped with a garlicky herb butter that takes them over the top. Perfect for game day, sleepovers, or a quick weeknight dinner, these bite-sized sliders are easy to make and even easier to devour. With their irresistible combination of flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Let’s dive into how to make these cheesy, savory sliders step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor in Every Bite : These sliders combine all your favorite pizza toppings in one handheld treat.
- Easy & Quick : Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable : Add toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners—everyone will love pulling these apart and digging in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Makes 12 sliders)
For the Sliders:
- 1 pack (12-count) Hawaiian rolls (or slider buns of choice )
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30–40 slices mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni, halved )
- Optional Toppings : cooked sausage crumbles, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted
- 1 clove garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder )
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish )
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
- Without separating the rolls, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally (as if you’re cutting a sandwich in half), creating a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese .
- Place the top layer of rolls over the cheese.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter , minced garlic , Italian seasoning , and a pinch of salt .
- Tip : For extra flavor, stir in fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Herb Butter
- Generously brush the melted garlic herb butter over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add Extra Toppings : Layer cooked sausage, diced onions, or sautéed mushrooms before adding the cheese for more variety.
- Make Ahead : Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked sliders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders pair beautifully with:
- Marinara Sauce : Serve with warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Green Salad : Pair with a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables : Serve alongside roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Slider, Approx.)
(Based on 12 sliders)
- Calories : ~180 kcal
- Protein : ~6g
- Carbohydrates : ~20g
- Fat : ~8g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Sliders are a fun, flavorful dish that brings all the comfort of pizza into a handheld, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them at a party, feeding a crowd, or just craving something indulgent, these sliders are sure to satisfy. The combination of saucy pepperoni, melty cheese, and garlicky herb butter creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the toppings, adjust the seasonings, or pair them with different sides to make them your own. So grab your rolls, stack those toppings, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.